About the St. Andrew's Society of Montreal

www.standrews.qc.ca

​Founded in 1835, the St Andrew's Society has served Scots and those of Scots descent in Montreal, through social activities and service to the community.
FOUNDING STATEMENT (WHO WE ARE)
In 1835 the St. Andrew’s Society of Montreal was formed “with a view to regulating charity in a systematic manner” and “to advance the cause and welfare of Scotsmen and their descendants.”  These principles were spelled out in the Society’s Charter when it was incorporated as a legal person by provincial statute in 1858 and were confirmed when it was amended in 1948. They still govern us.

POWERS (WHAT WE CAN DO)
For the said purposes, the Society is empowered in its Charter:
a)       to carry out, among persons of Scottish birth or descent, welfare and youth training activities;
b)         to promote historical, educational, patriotic, social, artistic and sporting activities for the purpose of maintaining and celebrating Scottish traditions;
c)         to grant educational aid and assistance to those of Scottish birth or descent;
d)         to cooperate with other Scottish societies in carrying out such activities as aforesaid.”

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES (WHERE THE FUNDS GO)
Cultural
The Society is involved in raising funds for the establishment of a Chair in Canadian-Scottish Studies at McGill University.  We also provide funding to the following organizations to promote Scottish culture and traditions:
  • Black Watch Pipes & DrumsBlack Watch Cadets
  • 78th Fraser HighlandersD COY Highland Cadet Corps 04
  • Montreal Pipes and DrumsQc Piping & Drumming society
  • Montreal Highland Games CommitteeCeltic Music Festival
  • Osler Library – McGill UniversityAtwater Library: Scottish Collection
  • Montreal Highland Dancing AssociationIn addition, we provide funding for the following awards and scholarships: Highland Dancing Scholarship, Keith Radley Hutchison Award (piping) and the St. Andrew’s Society Scholarship for Piping, Drummin and Highland Dancing.
We are also carrying out renovations of the cemetery sites held by the Society and completing a project to digitize our archives and make them available for consultation and research.

Assistance to Persons in Need
Our Welfare Program exists to help individuals who find themselves in emergency financial need.   Our objective is to help such persons get back on their feet or to bridge the gap until government programs begin to fund.  The level of assistance ranges from food vouchers, to more substantial assistance given to patients undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing a financial crisis. The Society also assists the Old Brewery Mission.

Education
We provide scholarships for about 45 students in various post-secondary programs of study. We also provide funding to McGill, Concordia and Bishop’s Universities and to Presbyterian College.